Swing for the Fences: A Deep Dive into Bull Durham
Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they welcome special guest Nate McWhortor—a self-proclaimed superfan—to discuss the 1988 baseball romance Bull Durham. This isn’t your typical sports movie; it’s a sultry, quotable journey through minor league baseball that explores love, mentorship, and the religion of America’s pastime.
The Church of Baseball
The hosts dive deep into what makes Bull Durham unique among sports films. Unlike major league fantasies, this movie captures the gritty reality of minor league baseball—from shitty buses to $20,000 salaries. Guest Nate McWhortor brings real-world perspective, having worked for the Montgomery Biscuits after college, inspired by this very film. The discussion reveals how writer-director Ron Shelton’s own minor league experience creates authentic moments that resonate with anyone who’s lived the unglamorous side of professional sports.
The trio explores the film’s adult themes and memorable dialogue, from Kevin Costner’s gruff wisdom as Crash Davis to Susan Sarandon’s Annie Savoy—a poetry-loving baseball groupie who mentors young players. They analyze the unique love triangle that develops and how the film balances romance with genuine baseball storytelling. The conversation touches on everything from the film’s hard R rating to its Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Key Discussion Points:
- The authenticity of minor league baseball portrayal and its impact on small communities
- Kevin Costner’s evolution from leading man to “grumpy Costner” in this breakout role
- The film’s adult themes and quotable dialogue that baseball fans still use today
- How Bull Durham differs from other 80s baseball movies like Major League and Field of Dreams
- The unique perspective of having a female narrator in a male-dominated sports genre
Final Verdict
The hosts deliver their “garter ratings” with Nate giving his favorite film a perfect 10/10, while Krissy and Nathan both land on a respectable 7/10. Despite some pacing issues in the final act, everyone agrees the film holds up as both a baseball movie and a romance, though they warn it’s definitely not for young viewers despite its quotable nature.
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Support our guests: Check out Nathan’s films at Squishy Studios and catch both Krissy and Nate performing at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in Mesa, Arizona.
What’s your favorite baseball movie quote that you still use in everyday conversation?
